Harkin, Michael James of Weymouth, passed away surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on June 20, 2026. He was 72 years old.

Beloved husband to Cherylanne. Caring father to Savannah and Jamie and her husband Jordan as well as doting grandfather to Declan. Son of John Harkin and Priscilla O’Connor, Stepson to Ted O’Connor, Brother of Ed and his wife Janet, Pauline and her late husband Joe, Jack and his wife Janet, Barbara and her husband Steve, Suzanne, the late Claudia, the late Tom, the late Kathie and and her late husband Bob, the late Paul and and his surviving wife Sue, and the late Ken and his surviving wife Robin. Also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mike was passionate about woodworking and built a life around the craft he loved. He attended Blue Hills Regional School for carpentry and later went on to own and operate his own millshop business with his brothers. His skill, dedication, and pride in his work eventually led him back to Blue Hills, where he served as a carpentry teacher for 22 years. In the classroom and shop, Mike shared not only his knowledge, but also his humor, patience, and practical wisdom with generations of students.

He was especially proud of the relationships he formed through Blue Hills and his overall career as an educator, including Mr. Warren Farrah French, who became both a friend and mentor. Mike met him when Warren repaired machinery for the school, and that connection grew into a meaningful bond that lasted through the years. When he took over Warren’s business, his friend base widened even further to the other schools he serviced machinery at. Mike also formed a lifelong friendship with Ryan, whom he affectionately considered his “adopted” son. Ryan had once been a student of Mike’s, and their relationship grew into one of deep respect and enduring friendship long after Ryan’s graduation.

Mike shared 43 years of marriage with the love of his life, Cherylanne. Together they built a family filled of memories, laughter, and devotion with her and their two daughters. He loved motorcycles and boating and he especially enjoyed the two very old boats that became part of his story over the years. He belonged to a boating club in Maine and enjoyed the camaraderie and time on the water that came with it. In earlier years, he also loved camping when the girls were young, creating memories that his family would carry with them always.

Those who knew Mike will remember his great sense of humor and his sharp, sarcastic style that could bring laughter to any room. He was known for his snappy comebacks, his witty remarks, and his ability to make people smile even in ordinary moments. He had a special way of giving nicknames and even making up songs for the people he met, a reflection of his playful spirit and the ease with which he connected with others. He also adored animals, especially German Short Haired Pointers and the cats he loved but would never admit it.

Mike will be remembered as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with humor and heart. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched as a teacher, craftsman, husband, friend, and father. He will be missed dearly and remembered always for the love, kindness, and laughter he brought into the world.

Services for Mike will be private. In lieu of flowers, a donation fund to the Blue Hills Construction Tech Department in Mike’s name may be sent to @BlueHillsConstHarkin via Paypal.